Clarkdale advisory committee reviews major changes to sign code, from measurement rules to political‑sign zones

The Town of Clarkdale’s Zoning Code Update Citizen Advisory Committee on Oct. 16 reviewed a sweeping rewrite of Chapter 7, the municipality’s sign regulations, focusing on how signs will be measured, where political signs are allowed, rules for temporary and portable signs, and administrative review procedures.

Ruth, the staff presenter, said the rewrite is meant to bring the code into compliance with recent case law and state legislation and to simplify administrative review. “We can only use objective standards for signage,” she said, citing the need to avoid content‑based regulation after Reed v. Gilbert and to reflect changes from House Bill 24‑47. She walked the committee through new diagrams and a measurement approach that “draws a line around the perimeter of the sign copy” to calculate sign area.

Why it matters: the measurement and content rules determine what kinds of signs businesses and property owners may erect, how much of a façade they can use, and how the town will enforce violations. Committee members repeatedly pressed staff on practical effects for corner buildings, murals and business identification, and how permanent decorative elements will be treated.

Key changes and debate - Political sign zones: staff noted the political sign “free zone” map was…